5 Things to Know from your Executive Director

Southern Texas PGA • May 31, 2022

Happy Summer STPGA Members and Associates,


On behalf of our staff, I hope your spring season has been successful at your club and rounds continue to be strong. It was enjoyable to watch a playoff in the PGA Championship and set the stage for a busy summer of golf!


I wanted to spotlight 5 quick items to jump start your week!


PGA Pro Crisis to PGA Pro Solutions – As most of you probably saw, an article was written in Golf Digest recently about our industry and profession. Over the weekend, I was sent this video from Will Robbins, who was one of our main speakers at our Annual Meeting in February. While it spotlights more around teaching and PGA Modern Coach, I do think the video has many messages that can help our PGA Professionals. Click Here to watch.


Tournaments and Playing – The summer months have many playing opportunities. Besides from great events, it’s an opportunity to network, interact with partners, and build relationships. From the 9-9-9 at Whispering Pines to the Pro-Junior at Golfcrest CC to a new Pro-Pro Am-Am in August (announcement coming soon) to the Texas Team Championship at HSB, please consider playing in an event this summer. Click Here for our full schedule.


Do You Know your Pro? – In an effort to showcase the many different people that make up the STPGA, your communication’s team is finding new ways to showcase you! This year we started a new series called Do You Know your Pro? A new video was released today and you can find all 4 of them so far this year by Clicking Here. While these are fun and enjoyable to watch, we are working on bigger projects to showcase what each career track is all about and why PGA Professionals are the leaders in the industry. Enjoy the videos!


Best Junior Golf Program in the Country! – We have more playing opportunities for juniors than ever before, and this is both a direct and indirect benefit for PGA Professionals within our section. From new golfers starting out at Drive, Chip, and Putt to college ready players on the Srixon Prestige Tour, we have something for everyone! Our big summer ending Championship is a week earlier this year on July 26-28 at The Woodlands CC – Palmer Course. Click Here for our newly updated Parent Resources page and Click Here for our newly updated FAQ’s page. Both are great resources for you along with any junior golf parent.


Career Services and Jobs – In case you missed it, hopefully you saw our spotlight on our new Career Services Consultant Doug Turner and the Regional Model update. Most importantly, if you need any help around your job, career opportunities, or just want to chat about ideas, please do not hesitate to call or email Doug or I. Secondly, if your club needs help with searches or going through transitions in any department, the PGA wants to help! PGA ExecuSearch is gaining a lot of momentum and more information about this fee-based search option can be found by Clicking Here.


Let’s have a great summer. Continue to be awesome and please let me know if I can help in any way. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as your Executive Director.


Thomas Hutton, PGA
Executive Director


PS – Do you follow us on social media for both the section and junior golf? Does your own facility follow us? If not, its one of the best ways to stay in touch and connect!

Meet the Member: Todd Harbour, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • February 26, 2026
TODD HARBOUR, PGA - A FULL CIRCLE RETURN ROOTED IN CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

Cavender Buick GMC North Announces Patron Partnership with STPGA Nation

By Southern Texas PGA • February 25, 2026
A Partnership Focused on Community, Character, and Championship Standards

Presidential Points: STPGA 2026 Q1 Update

By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA • February 16, 2026
STPGA 2026 Q1 UPDATE Record Growth & Our Roadmap Ahead Dear STPGA Members and Associates, We recently kicked off 2026 with our first Board Meeting and Annual Meeting in San Antonio. It was inspiring to see over 200 members in attendance for what was a productive and insightful few days. As we look toward the year ahead, I am proud to share some significant highlights regarding our Section’s health and future direction. Exceptional Financial Growth During the Annual Meeting, we reported our 2025 year-end financials, and I am pleased to confirm that the STPGA remains in excellent financial condition. Revenue Milestone: We surpassed $8.7 million in revenue for 2025, marking a 55% increase since 2021. National Standing: The STPGA is now the 3rd largest operation out of the 41 PGA Sections—a remarkable feat considering we rank 11th in total membership. Reserve Fund: Our financial success has allowed us to establish a conservatively invested reserve fund. This provides a safety net for unforeseen circumstances and the flexibility to expand our staff, enhance our programs, and capitalize on future opportunities. A Roadmap for the Future We were thrilled to unveil our finalized Vision, Mission, and Strategic Pillars . It has been several years since this foundational document was updated, and these pillars will now serve as the compass for all annual planning and goal setting.

The Time Is Now: Why I Believe We Need to “Keep Her Playing”

By Susie Redman, PGA, LPGA • February 13, 2026
By Susie Redman, Founder, “Keep Her Playing”

58th Education Summit and Annual Meeting Concludes in San Antonio!

By Southern Texas PGA • February 10, 2026
PGA Members and Associates continue to find ways to enhance their skill set to better serve their clubs, guests, and the overall game of golf!

Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club Announced as Host of 46th Joe Black Cup Matches

By Southern Texas PGA • February 4, 2026
STPGA looks to reclaim the cup November 15-17, 2026

Nominations Open for Texas Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2026

By Southern Texas PGA • January 28, 2026
The Texas Golf Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2026. Golf fans, industry professionals, and the public are invited to nominate individuals who have made a lasting impact on the game of golf in Texas by February 18, 2026. Nominations may be submitted online at https://www.texasgolfhof.org/nominations . As the Guardians of the Game in Texas, the Texas Golf Hall of Fame works to preserve, honor, and celebrate the state’s rich golf history while inspiring future generations of Texas golfers through recognition across six nomination categories. Today, the Hall of Fame is home to 156 distinguished members, including 25 who are also enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame, along with 15 historic Texas golf courses that have played a significant role in shaping the game. Beyond induction honors, the Texas Golf Hall of Fame is committed to education, access, and long-term legacy through innovative programming. This includes a fully accessible digital museum, a mobile museum that brings Texas golf history directly to communities across the state, and a newly established Endowment that is gaining strong support and will help ensure preservation efforts, youth initiatives, and future programming for generations to come. The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted during the Texas Golf Hall of Fame Induction Celebration on October 19, 2026, at the San Antonio Country Club. This event brings together leaders, legends, and supporters of the game to celebrate the individuals and institutions that define Texas golf. The Texas Golf Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization. For nomination criteria and submission details, visit https://www.texasgolfhof.org/nominations . Media Contact Alli Jarrett Executive Director Texas Golf Hall of Fame alli@texasgolfhof.org texasgolfhof.org

Meet the Member: Matthew Boundy, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • January 27, 2026
MATTHEW BOUNDY, PGA – A PATH BUILT ON PEOPLE, FAMILY & GOLF

New Associate Orientation Commences in 2026

By Southern Texas PGA • January 12, 2026
On behalf of your Board of Directors, the STPGA would like to make you aware of a program that will commence on January 1, 2026 for all Level 1 Associates. Starting in 2026, the STPGA will be running virtual Associate Orientations for all Associates who are either in Level 1 or joined the program after January 1, 2026. The goal of the Orientation will be to educate you on the STPGA, create a networking opportunity, but most importantly, motivate you about the industry and the PGA of America Membership. The STPGA will run 11 of these throughout the year. During the Orientation, all attendees must satisfy the requirements below to receive credit for attendance: · Join the Google Meet within five (5) minutes of the scheduled start time · Have their camera on for the entirety of the presentation · Introduce themselves during the introduction portion of the Orientation PGA of America Level 1 Associates must complete this orientation prior to participating in any Southern Texas PGA Tournament or Social Function starting in 2026. We wanted to start to make you aware of this now so that you are prepared come 2026. The STPGA will be having at least 2 of these orientations in March for any Level 1 Associate already in the program and has not advanced to Level 2, so that you can still participate in all events in 2026! Please note: This policy begins with the Pro-Pro Champ in March. For any event in January and February, Level 1 Associates can participate without attending an orientation, as our first orientation isn't until March. Click here for the full outline of the program, view all eleven dates that an orientation will be hosted, and the landing page with more information accessible to you. The STPGA continues to look for ways to better our association, engage with the next PGA Member, and showcase the value of being a PGA Member. Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you in advance for your support.

PGA REACH Southern Texas: 2025 Impact Report

By Sarah Lummus • December 19, 2025
Our PGA REACH Southern Texas 2025 Impact Report At PGA REACH Southern Texas, golf is more than a game—it is a vehicle for opportunity, connection, and lasting impact. Guided by a commitment to serve our community, we work to strengthen our Foundation while bringing greater visibility to the life-changing stories behind our four core pillars: Junior Golf, College Scholarships, PGA HOPE, and Employment Opportunities. Together, these pillars reflect our mission to inspire the next generation, support educational achievement, empower military Veterans, and open doors to meaningful careers within the golf industry. We are proud to share our 2025 Impact Report, which captures the progress, growth, and momentum of the past year. Inside, you’ll find the milestones made possible through collaboration, generosity, and a shared belief in the power of golf to do good. As we continue to broaden our reach and deepen our impact, we invite you to celebrate the individuals, partnerships, and stories that define PGA REACH Southern Texas—and the lives forever changed along the way. And lastly, thank you. Thank you for your support and belief in what we are doing.
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